US20090001115A1 - Bicycle Luggage Carrier - Google Patents
Bicycle Luggage Carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090001115A1 US20090001115A1 US12/132,054 US13205408A US2009001115A1 US 20090001115 A1 US20090001115 A1 US 20090001115A1 US 13205408 A US13205408 A US 13205408A US 2009001115 A1 US2009001115 A1 US 2009001115A1
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- Prior art keywords
- base
- bicycle
- support
- luggage carrier
- backpack
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J7/00—Luggage carriers
- B62J7/02—Luggage carriers characterised by the arrangement thereof on cycles
- B62J7/04—Luggage carriers characterised by the arrangement thereof on cycles arranged above or behind the rear wheel
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a bicycle luggage carrier for mounting over the tire of a bicycle and more particularly to a bicycle luggage carrier of this type that is detachable from a bicycle and adapted for carrying a backpack on the bicycle or on the back of a user.
- Luggage carriers arranged for mounting on a bicycle to support a rack or base in a horizontal orientation above the tire of a bicycle are well known.
- a number of devices have been developed with the intention of providing a backpack that is adapted for both carrying on the back of a wearer in a conventional fashion and carrying on a bicycle-mounted luggage carrier.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,802 of Woolf teaches a rectangular backpack frame that can have two vertically spaced pack bags hung therefrom one over the other with the frame in an extended condition.
- the frame is collapsible to a more compact position, in which it can be mounted over the rear wheel of a bicycle and have the pack bags hung from it on opposite sides of the wheel in a pannier arrangement.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,278 of Fresco teaches an articulated backpack apparatus having two storage elements movable into satchel, backpack and pannier configurations.
- the apparatus may be mounted to a conventional luggage carrier previously installed on the bicycle or may be mounted to the bicycle by means of a specialized mounting bracket.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,733 of Brule teaches a pack that is convertible from a backpack for hiking to a pannier that can be secured to an existing pannier rack, or luggage carrier, of a bicycle.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,875 of Johnston teaches a knapsack specially adapted for securing to a conventional luggage carrier and for preventing the contents of the knapsack from sagging over the edges of the luggage carrier when so secured.
- a bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle, the bicycle luggage carrier comprising:
- a base defining a generally planar support surface
- a plurality of supports connectable between the base and a frame of the bicycle to support the generally planar support surface above the tire
- the base being adapted to receive a conventional backpack having a pair of straps connected to a back panel to form loops through which a wearer's arms can be past to carry the backpack on shoulders of the wearer with the back panel extending downward along a back of the wearer, the base receiving the backpack with the support surface of the base and the back panel of the backpack in a face-to-face configuration;
- the base and the supports being adapted for detachable connection of the base to the bicycle to facilitate carrying of the backpack on a user's back while secured to the base in the face-to-face configuration and carrying of the backpack on the bicycle while secured to the base in the face-to-face configuration.
- the luggage carrier avoids the need for a user to purchase a specialized backpack as part of the carrier when the user may already have a perfectly good conventional backpack in his/her possession.
- the single action of detaching the base from the bicycle with a backpack secured on it performs the dual function of both removing the backpack in state ready for wearing by the user and removing the base from its place over the wheel of the bicycle.
- the removal of a backpack from a carrying position on a bicycle in preparation for wearing on the back of a user and the removal of a base of the carrier from the bicycle to revert the bicycle closer to its original state with no carrier installed requires multiple steps.
- the plurality of supports comprise folding struts with pivotal connections, the folding struts being pivotable into a storage position with the base detached from the bicycle.
- the folding struts are pivotally connected to the base and are detachably connectable to the frame of the bicycle, the folding struts extending along the base on a side thereof opposite the support surface in the storage position.
- the folding of the struts toward the base into the storage position extending therealong helps the luggage carrier collapse into a compact and flattened storage state when not installed on a bicycle so that it can be worn comfortably in a backpack-like fashion extending along the back of a wearer.
- pivotal connections between the folding struts and the base are slidable therealong.
- At least one flap secured to the base and foldable over the folding struts when in the storage position.
- a releasable fastener connected to the base to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position.
- the base is adapted to allow the straps of the backpack to extend to a side of the base opposite the support surface with the backpack received thereon to facilitate carrying of the base and the backpack by the straps thereof.
- the base has openings therein through which the straps of the backpack are passable to extend through the openings with the backpack received on the support surface.
- the plurality of supports comprise an end support movably connected to the base to move between retracted and deployed positions, the end support extending further past a respective end of the base in the deployed position than in the retracted position.
- the end support does not extend past the respective end of the base in the retracted position.
- the base comprises a frame and a support body, the supports being connected to the frame and the support body defining the support surface, the frame being detachably connected to the support body.
- a pocket formed on the support surface to receive an end of the backpack.
- a fastening arrangement fixed to the base to engage with the backpack for securing thereof to the base.
- the fastening arrangement comprises one or more straps each fixed to the base at one end and detachably connectable to the base at an opposite end to extend over the backpack to effect securing thereof against the support surface.
- the one or more straps comprise a pair of straps arranged to extend across one another when each is connected to the base at the opposite end.
- the one or more straps may comprise a support strap connected to the base by a supporting flap pivotally connected to the base to be foldable against a bottom of the backpack by connecting of the support strap to the base at the opposite end of the support strap.
- a bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle, the bicycle luggage carrier comprising:
- a pair of folding struts pivotally connected the base to allow movement from a storage position in which the folding struts extend along the base to a use position in which the folding struts extend away from the base, the folding struts being adapted at an end opposite connection to the base for releasable connection to a frame of the bicycle on opposite sides of the tire thereof;
- a securing mechanism associated with the base and the folding struts to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position extending along the base.
- the folding of the struts toward the base into the storage position extending therealong helps the luggage carrier collapse into a compact, flattened storage state when not installed on a bicycle.
- the securing mechanism comprises fasteners supported on the base and engageable with the folding struts in the storage position.
- the securing mechanism comprises at least one strap secured to the base at one end and connectable thereto at an opposite end to secure the folding struts against the base.
- the securing mechanism comprises at least one flap secured to the base at one end, foldable over the folding struts, and connectable to the base at an opposite end to secure the folding struts against the base.
- the end support is movably connected to the base to move between retracted and deployed positions, the end support extending further past a respective end of the base in the deployed position than in the retracted position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body, a frame, an end support and strut supports of a first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier with the supports in deployed positions for mounting to a bicycle.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body, frame, end support and strut supports of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier with the supports in stowed positions for carrying on the back of a wearer.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 , but from an opposite side of the frame of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of two wheel mounts of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier for pivotally connecting one of the strut supports to the wheel axle of a bicycle.
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating connection of one of the strut supports of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier to the wheel axle by the respective wheel mount.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seat mount of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier for pivotally connecting the end support to the seat post of a bicycle.
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the seat mount of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier mounted to the seat post.
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the seat mount of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the frame, strut supports and end support with the body of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier removed.
- FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the frame, supports and mounts of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier installed on a bicycle equipped with rear suspension.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the frame, strut supports, end support, seat mount and wheel mounts of a second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the seat mount of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a T-shaped member defining a bottom block of the seat mount of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a top block of the seat mount of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 15 shows a supporting body of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier.
- FIG. 1 shows part of a first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier adapted to carry a conventional backpack, that is a backpack having a pair of straps connected to a back panel thereof to form loops through which a wearer's arms can be passed to carry the backpack on shoulders of the wearer with the back panel extending downward along the wearer's back.
- the first embodiment luggage carrier features a frame 10 to be carried over the rear wheel of a bicycle in a generally horizontal orientation extending along a longitudinal axis of the bicycle, a pair of strut supports 12 coupled to frame on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis thereof and adapted to couple to the bicycle at the ends of the strut supports opposite the frame on opposite sides of the bicycle's rear tire and an end support 14 adapted to couple to the seat post of the bicycle.
- the nearly planar frame 10 On a side opposite the strut supports 12 , the nearly planar frame 10 carries a support body 16 , including a flat support panel 18 lying flush against the nearly planar frame 10 .
- FIG. 1 shows a base defined by the frame 10 and the support panel 18 in a generally horizontal orientation with the strut supports 12 and end support 14 deployed, as the carrier would be used for carrying a backpack over the rear tire of a bicycle.
- FIG. 2 shows the base in a generally vertical orientation with the strut supports 12 and end support 14 stowed in a more compact configuration with the frame 10 to allow carrying of the carrier and a backpack secured thereto on the back of a user in a conventional backpack fashion.
- the strut supports 12 are each carried on the frame 10 by a respective carriage 22 that is slidably coupled to the frame for sliding movement therealong.
- Each strut support 12 is connected to the respective carriage 22 at a pivot 24 to facilitate pivotal movement of the strut support between a storage position, as shown in FIG. 2 , and a use position, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the strut supports 12 are stowed generally parallel to the frame 10 with their ends opposite the carriages 22 sitting nearly against a side of the frame 10 opposite the support panel 18 .
- each carriage 22 features a carriage body 28 having a cylindrical bore 29 therethrough.
- a respective side rod 30 of the frame 10 passes through the cylindrical bore to enable sliding of the carriage along the frame.
- a slot or groove 32 extending along and into an end face of the body opposite the end proximate the cylindrical bore 29 receives an end of the respective strut support 12 , which is pinned to the body to define the pivot 24 .
- the slot or groove 32 extends a sufficient depth from the end face of the body relative to the distance from the end face at which the pivot pin 24 is disposed so that the support strut 12 can be folded toward the frame 10 to lie substantially parallel thereto in the storage position. Sliding of the carriage 22 and the respective strut support 12 to an end of the respective side rod 30 of the frame 10 allows maximum compactness of the frame and strut supports in the storage position by ensuring minimum or no extension of the strut supports past the opposite end of the frame 10 when the strut supports are folded over the frame into the generally parallel configuration therewith.
- the two parallel side rods 30 of the frame 10 are connected at their ends by parallel cross members 34 extending perpendicularly between the two side rods 30 .
- a pair of parallel tubes 36 spaced apart from one another and spaced from each of the two side rods 30 in an orientation generally parallel thereto.
- the two tubes 36 are fixed to but do not extend past the respective cross member 34 .
- the two tubes 36 extend slightly passed the respective cross member 34 , this opposite end 38 of each tube 36 being open to receive ends of the U-shaped end support 14 , having two parallel leg portions 40 connected by a central portion 42 at one end.
- the leg portions are of suitable cross-sectional size to be received within the hollow parallel tubes 36 , for sliding motion of the end support 14 along the frame 10 .
- the end support 14 is deployable to a use position projecting past a respective end 44 of the support body 18 to dispose the end portion 42 of the end support in a space that is unobstructed by the support body for connection to a seat post of a bicycle. From this position, the end support 14 is retractable further back into the tubes 36 of the frame 10 to the storage position of FIG. 2 , where the end support 14 does not project past the respective end 44 of the support body 18 . Extending further from the respective end of the frame 10 in the use position than in the storage position, the sliding end support 14 improves the compactness of the first embodiment luggage carrier in the storage position by reducing its overall length.
- the support panel 18 of the support body 16 is of greater length and width than the frame 10 and is sufficiently rigid to support a conventional backpack of greater width than the frame 10 thereatop when the luggage carrier is mounted to a bicycle to position the support body horizontally over the rear tire, without the backpack sagging over the sides of the frame 10 .
- a frame pocket 46 is fixed to the support panel 18 at an end 47 thereof opposite the end 44 past which the end support 14 projects in the use position.
- the rectangular frame pocket 46 fixed to the side of the support body 18 opposite the support surface 20 is open along a side 46 a thereof facing the other end of the support body 16 so as to receive the end of the frame 10 opposite the end support 14 .
- a second frame pocket 48 is fixed to the same side of the support panel 18 at a distance therealong from the first frame pocket 46 and opens theretoward at side 48 a to received the opposite end of the frame 10 , that is the end at which the end support 14 is disposed.
- the rectangular second frame pocket 48 is also partially opened along another side 48 b thereof opposite the first frame pocket 46 to allow the end support 14 to pass through the second frame pocket 48 .
- the opening along this side 48 b is too small to allow passage of the frame end therethrough.
- the frame ends fit snugly within the frame pockets 46 , 48 so that they act as bands or straps to secure the support body 16 on the frame 10 .
- the depth of the second frame pocket 48 is such that the frame 10 can be removed from the support body 16 by pulling the frame 10 out of the first frame pocket 46 further into the second frame pocket 48 , pulling the so freed end from away from the support body 16 and then withdrawing the frame 10 from the second frame pocket 48 .
- flaps 50 On opposite sides of the frame receiving space defined between the two frame pockets 46 , 48 are flaps 50 , each fixed to the face of the support panel 18 opposite the support surface 20 along one end of the flap.
- the flaps 50 can be folded over the frame 10 disposed therebetween with the strut supports 12 in the storage position parallel and nearly flush to the frame 10 and secured in this folded configuration to cover the tubes and rods of the frame and the strut supports secured thereto.
- the flaps 50 act to help maintain the strut supports 12 in the storage position when the combination of the frame, the supports and the supporting body is worn on the back of a user to carry a backpack.
- the flaps also offer improved comfort during such wearing by providing padding between the wearer's back and the hard frame and support components.
- a storage pocket 52 is defined on the support surface side of the support panel 18 at the same end 47 of the support body 16 as the first frame pocket 46 .
- the storage pocket 52 is closed at the end 47 of the support body and opens at an opposite side 52 a toward the end of the support body 44 past which the end support 14 is extendable.
- a backpack having its rear panel placed in a face-to-face arrangement with the support surface 20 of the support panel 18 and slid therealong from the end 44 thereof opposite the storage pocket will have its bottom end (the lowermost end of the backpack when adorned on a wearer's back in a conventional fashion by hanging from the shoulders) slid into the storage pocket 52 .
- the storage pocket 52 prevents sliding of the backpack off the end 47 of the support body 18 at which it is disposed, both when the combination is worn in a generally vertical orientation on a user's back and when the combination is carried over the rear wheel of a bicycle in a generally horizontal orientation.
- Securing of the backpack to the support body 16 is completed by fastening straps provided on the support surface side of the support panel 18 .
- a cross-wise strap 54 is fixed at one end to a loop formed at one side of the support panel 18 by a band 56 fixed at both ends thereto.
- a second band 58 is likewise provided at the opposite side of the support panel.
- the second band 58 and the cross-wise strap 54 are provided with opposite mating halves of a snap clip fastener.
- the fastener has its male half 59 , pictured on the cross-wise strap 54 , adapted for tensioning of the strap over a backpack received in the storage pocket 52 between the bands 56 , 58 .
- a lengthwise strap 60 is fixed at one end thereof to the storage pocket 52 to be extendable from a central point at the open side 52 a thereof toward the opposite end 44 of the support body 16 .
- a tensioning male half 63 and a female half 64 of another snap clip fastener are provided on the lengthwise strap 60 and on the support surface side of the support panel 18 respectively. The storage pocket 52 and the two crossing straps firmly secure the backpack to the support panel 18 .
- Reinforced openings are provided extending through the support panel 18 , two separate but closely adjacent openings 61 a near the end 44 of the support body 16 opposite the storage pocket 52 and two further spaced openings 61 b near the opposite end 47 .
- the second pair of openings 61 b extend through the support panel 18 to communicate with the interior of the storage pocket 52 on opposite sides of the first frame pocket 46 .
- the openings allow that straps of a conventional packback, which are typically fixed to the back panel of the backpack at the top end thereof (nearest the shoulders of a wearer when worn) and releasably connected at their opposite ends nearer the bottom of the backpack, can be passed through the first openings 61 a from the support surface side of the support panel 18 on which the backpack is disposed and extended down to the second openings 61 b to pass back through the panel for connection to the backpack near its bottom end receivable in the storage pocket 52 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show a wheel mount 62 used on each side of a bicycle tire to secure a respective one of the two strut supports 12 to the bicycle.
- the wheel mount 62 features a mounting body 64 having a cylindrical bore 65 projecting thereinto, but not fully therethrough, from a top end face 66 of the mounting body 64 .
- Fixed to one side of the mounting body 64 is a tie-down anchor 68 having an eye 70 defined therethrough.
- a cylindrical bore 74 extends cross-wise therethrough, sized to receive an end of the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle, shown schematically at 76 in FIG. 5 .
- the wheel mount 62 is placed over the end of the axle outside the two rear forks of the bicycle, followed by an end cap 78 that prevents the wheel mount 62 from sliding off the axle.
- the blind cylindrical bore 65 is sized to receive an end of the respective strut support 12 opposite the connection thereof to the frame 10 , as shown in FIG. 5 , to help support the frame 10 above the rear tire of the bicycle.
- a tie-down strap 80 is fixed to each of the flaps 50 on the support panel 18 .
- tie-down straps have branched ends 82 and are each of are sufficient length to extend downward from the respective flap 50 hanging downward from the support panel 18 when installed on the bicycle to the eye 70 of the tie-down anchor 68 of the respective wheel mount 62 for tying of the two branches formed at the end of tie-down strap through the eye 70 . Tied sufficiently tight and taught, the straps prevent the strut supports 12 from withdrawing upwardly from the wheel mounts 62 during riding of the bicycle with the first embodiment luggage carrier installed.
- FIGS. 6 to 8 show a seat mount 84 for connecting the end support 14 to the seat post of a bicycle when in the extended or use position.
- the seat mount 84 features a C-clamp 86 sized to fasten around the seat post in a well known conventional manner.
- a coupling device 88 is fixed to the C-clamp 86 and features two block-like halves 90 pivotally connected by a pair of hinges 91 disposed on opposite sides of the C-clamp 86 at the same end of the device.
- the C-clamp is fastened to one of the two halves 90 , the other half being pivotal relative to the fastened half to open and close in hinged fashion into and out of face-to-face engagement.
- the faces of the two block-like halves 90 are mirror images of one another, each having a groove therein that is U-shaped in plan as shown in FIG. 8 , corresponding to the U-shape of the end support 14 received in the tubes 36 of the frame 10 .
- the aligned grooves form a channel 95 that is U-shaped in plan, having two end portions 92 extending perpendicularly into an end 94 of the coupling device 88 opposite the C-clamp 86 and a central portion 96 perpendicularly connecting the two end portions at a distance from the C-clamp equipped end 98 .
- the end support 14 is inserted between these faces into the groove in one of the halves.
- the halves are closed together over the end of the end support 14 with the central portion 42 of the end support 14 disposed within the central portion 96 of the channel 95 and the ends of the end support's leg portions 40 disposed in the parallel end portions 92 of the channel.
- a hook and loop fastening strap 100 is then tightened around the closed coupling device to prevent inadvertent opening and release of the support end secured therein.
- the central portion 96 of the channel 95 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section corresponding to the round cylindrical central portion 42 of the end support 14 .
- the end portions 92 of the channel 95 do not have a cylindrical cross section, but instead each taper in height inward from a maximum height at the end 94 of the coupling device to the point of intersection with the central portion 95 .
- This shaping of the channel 95 is accomplished by appropriately shaping the grooves in the mating faces of the two block-like halves, that is by shaping the central portion of each groove to have a semi-circular cross section and by increasing the depth of each end portion of each groove from the mating face of the respective half away from the central portion to the end 94 of the coupling device 88 opposite the C-clamp 86 .
- the wide opening 102 formed at the end 94 of the coupling device allows the end support 14 and the frame 10 connected thereto to pivot about a common central longitudinal axis shared by the central portion 96 of the channel 95 defined by the coupling device 88 when closed and the central portion 42 of the end support 14 disposed therein to couple the end support 14 and frame 10 to a seat post of a bicycle.
- FIG. 10 illustrates installation of the first embodiment luggage carrier on a bicycle, schematically illustrated at 200 , with the support body 16 removed from the frame.
- the seat mount 84 clamps to the seat post 202 of the bicycle and each wheel mount 62 is pivotally secured on the axle of the rear wheel 204 of the bicycle outside the rear fork 206 of a respective side of the wheel 204 .
- the illustrated bicycle features a rear suspension system in which the rear frame assembly 205 , including the rear fork 206 , is pivotally mounted to the front frame assembly 208 near the bottom of the seat tube 210 and also connected further up the seat tube by a link 212 pivotally mounted thereto and connected to the front frame assembly via a spring and damper assembly 214 .
- a four bar linkage is defined by the seat tube and seat post forming a fixed first ground link, the rear frame assembly 206 connected to the seat tube at pivot 218 near the bottom end thereof forming a moving second link, the strut supports 12 forming a moving third link, and the frame 10 and end support 14 forming a moving fourth link connecting back to the fixed ground link.
- the pivotal connections between the links allow limited relative motion between them as generally indicated by double-ended arrows in FIG. 10 .
- the luggage carrier is thus adapted to move with the moving rear frame assembly 206 of a bicycle equipped with rear suspension.
- the luggage carrier of the present invention is not limited to use on a bicycle equipped with rear suspension as described above, and for example may be used on a hardtail bicycle in which the rear fork or seat stay is fastened to the seat tube in a fixed position relative thereto.
- the hook and loop fastener strap may be replaced with other fasteners known to those of skill in the art to secure the two halves of the seat mount coupling device together in a closed use position.
- the structure of the coupling device may be altered to eliminate the end portions of the channel, extend the cylindrical central section through to both external sides of the coupling device and reduce the length of the device (measured cross-wise to the bicycle's longitudinal axis when installed) so that it closes only over the central portion of the end support.
- the halves of the coupling device would not close over the leg portions of the end support, leaving them free on opposite sides of the device to move under pivoting of the central portion of the end support about its central axis without the need for widened end channel portions.
- FIGS. 11 to 15 Components of a second embodiment luggage carrier featuring examples of such alternate arrangements are shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 .
- the frame 10 ′ of the second embodiment is similar in structure to that of the first, with the most notable difference being in the mounting and operation of the end support 14 relative to the frame 10 ′.
- the structure of the two parallel side rods 30 and cross members 34 is the same as in the first embodiment frame, but the two tubes 36 ′ mounted between the side rods 30 do not extend past either cross member 24 . Instead, the two tubes 36 ′ lie entirely parallel to the side rods 30 (not having to slope over or under one of the cross members 34 to pass thereover or thereunder as in the first embodiment) and have their ends fixed to the cross members 34 .
- the U-shaped end support 14 is not slidably received in the two tubes 36 , but instead is has its two parallel leg portions 40 pivotally connected to the two respective tubes 36 to allow pivoting of the end support 14 toward and away from the plane of the frame 10 in a manner similar to the strut supports 12 .
- Pivot mounts 300 carrying the end support 14 for pivoting on the same side of the frame as the strut supports 12 are located proximate the same end of the frame from which the end support slides in the first embodiment.
- the end support 14 may be pivoted to extend toward the opposite end of the frame 10 ′ in a retracted position generally flush against the bottom thereof, and may be pivoted out of this position by more than ninety degrees to extend to a use position similar to that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the end support 14 is thus movable between a storage position where the end support 14 does not project outward from the frame 10 ′ and a use position extending past the respective end of the frame 10 ′. As in the first embodiment, this improves the compactness of the first embodiment luggage carrier in the storage position by reducing its overall length.
- the pivot mounts may be defined by lugs projecting downward from the tubes 36 ′ and threaded fasteners passing through and secured to the lugs and the legs of the end support to define the pivot axis thereof.
- FIG. 12 shows the seat mount 84 ′ for connecting the end support 14 of the second embodiment to the seat post of a bicycle when in the extended or use position.
- the seat mount 84 again features a seat post clamp 86 ′ and features two pivotally connected block-like halves 302 , 304 .
- the bottom block 302 is defined by one leg of a T-shaped member 308 , the other leg of this member having the seat post clamp 86 ′ supported at its end opposite the bottom-block-defining leg 302 .
- the top block 304 lies over the bottom block 302 face to face therewith when the seat mount 84 ′ is closed and also extends past the bottom block 302 along the clamp supporting leg 306 of the T-shaped member 308 in this closed condition.
- the top block 304 features a pair of lugs 310 projecting perpendicularly downward from the bottom face of the top block 304 on opposite sides of the clamp-supporting leg 306 .
- a pivot pin 312 passes through the lugs 310 and a hole 311 extending perpendicularly through the clamp supporting leg 306 and parallel to the bottom block 304 , thereby pivotally supporting the top block 304 on the T-shaped member 308 defining the bottom block 302 .
- the top block 304 is notched along its edge facing the clamp 86 by a sufficient distance to allow pivoting of the top block 304 through ninety degrees from the closed position of FIG. 12 by accommodating a top portion of the clamp-supporting leg 306 of the T-shaped member 308 . This notch is labelled 313 in FIGS. 12 and 14 .
- the faces of the two block-like halves 302 , 304 are not mirror images of one another.
- the bottom block 302 has a linear groove 314 recessed thereinto from the top face thereof, extending fully across the bottom block 302 in a direction parallel to the pivot pin 312 and perpendicular to the clamp-supporting leg 306 and having a rounded bottom of generally semi-circular shape in a cross sectional plane of the groove 314 .
- No corresponding groove is provided in the top block 304 .
- the central portion 42 of the end support 14 pivotally carried on the frame 10 ′ is laid into this groove 314 when the seat mount 84 ′ is opened to expose the flat matable faces of the blocks 302 , 304 , the central portion 42 of the end support 14 having a diameter slightly smaller than the rounded bottom of the groove 314 .
- the central portion 42 is thus rotatable about its longitudinal axis when laid in the groove 314 and is also longer than the groove 314 so as to support the leg portions 40 of the end support 14 outside the blocks 302 , 304 of the seat mount 84 ′ on opposite sides thereof for pivoting together about the axis of the central portion 42 housed within the blocks when the blocks are closed together with the bottom face of the top block 304 closing off the groove 314 in the bottom block from above.
- the seat mount 84 ′ is equipped with a quick release mechanism 316 used to selectively lock the blocks 302 , 304 in the closed position.
- the quick release mechanism is similar to a type commonly used to tighten a C-shaped seat post clamp, like that of the seat mount, around the seat tube of a bicycle frame at a slotted upper end thereof to tighten the seat tube around the seat post received therein to clamp the seat post in place to set a desired height of the seat above the upper end of the seat tube.
- the mechanism features a cylindrical cap or housing 318 slidably fitted over a cam follower defined by a head affixed to a respective end of a control rod.
- a cam lever 320 passes through the housing 318 and the head of the control rod in a direction perpendicular to the control rod's longitudinal axis, defining an eccentric cam within a transverse bore passing through the head of the control rod.
- a handle 322 of the cam lever 320 projects laterally from the cam-defining portion of the lever at a position outside the housing 318 slidably encompassing the head of the control rod. The handle is operable to rotate the eccentric cam to effect relative sliding displacement between the control rod and the housing 322 along the control rod's axis.
- An end of the control rod opposite the head thereof and the housing cap 318 slidably disposed thereover is fixed to a shaft 323 extending perpendicular to the control rod, for example by way of a threaded end of the control rod being engaged with a threaded hole extending into the shaft 323 perpendicular to the axis thereof.
- the shaft is rotatably housed in a bore 324 passing through the bottom block 302 of the seat mount 84 ′ parallel to the groove 314 on a side thereof opposite the pivot pin 312 pivotally connecting the two blocks 302 , 304 .
- the top and bottom blocks 302 , 304 feature respective slots 302 a, 304 a extending thereinto from their ends opposite their connection to one another.
- the slots 302 a, 304 a align with one another, extending linearly into the blocks toward the supporting leg 306 of the T-shaped member 308 by equal amounts, perpendicularly intersecting the bore 324 and reaching, but not crossing, the groove 314 .
- Each slot 302 a, 304 a spans the full thickness of the respective block 302 , 304 such that the aligned slots extend fully through the two blocks when the blocks are closed together.
- the control rod of the quick release mechanism projects from the shaft 323 on which it is fixed through the aligned slots 302 a, 304 a to support its head and the housing cap 318 outside the blocks 302 , 304 .
- the cam lever With the shaft rotated to position the housing cap 318 over the top block 304 on a side thereof opposite the bottom block 302 , the cam lever is operable into a closed position to push the housing 318 along the control rod against this top side of the top block 304 on opposite sides of the slot 302 a therein to clamp the blocks 302 , 304 together in the closed position, face-to-face against one another. Operation of the cam lever from this condition into an opposite open position slidingly removes the housing 318 from against the top block 302 to release this clamping effect.
- the handle 322 of the cam lever 320 is pulled to rotate the shaft within the bore 324 so as to pivot the control rod away from the supporting leg 306 toward the bottom block 304 , moving the housing cap 318 in an arcuate path about the shaft outside the blocks 302 , 304 at the ends thereof opposite the clamp-supporting leg 306 to remove the cap 318 from its position over the top block 302 so that it no longer blocks pivoting of the top block 304 into the open position.
- the wheel mounts 62 ′ of the second embodiment are of generally the same structure as those of the first embodiment, with the most notable exception that they do not include tie-down anchors. It will be appreciated that the wheel mounts 62 ′ need not necessarily be mounted at the wheel axle of the bicycle and, for example, may be instead pivotally mounted elsewhere on the rear frame assembly 205 of the rear suspension bicycle of FIG. 10 .
- the strut supports 12 may alternatively connect, for example, to the seat tube 210 in arrangements where the carrier is not movable with a suspension-equipped rear wheel, in which case the carrier frame, end support, seat mount and strut supports would cooperate with the seat post and seat tube of the bicycle to define a generally triangular rigid support structure when installed. In such an arrangement, pivotal or non-pivotal connections between the luggage carrier and the bicycle could be used.
- a cross bar member 330 rigidly and perpendicularly connects the pivoting strut supports 12 of the second embodiment to link these supports a parallel arrangement with one another for movement together, the cross bar member 330 being positioned proximate the connection of the strut supports 12 to the frame 10 ′ so as to be positioned above and spaced from the bicycle wheel when the luggage carrier is installed and used thereon.
- a support body 16 ′ of the second embodiment luggage carrier does not feature a storage pocket like the first embodiment.
- a triangular supporting flap 332 is foldably or pivotally connected to the base panel 18 at the same end thereof as the first embodiment pocket, spanning generally the full width of the base panel 18 at its connection thereto and narrowing away from this connection.
- the support body 16 At an end of the supporting flap 332 opposite its flexible connection to the support panel 18 , at the point defined centrally along the base panel's width dimension by the supporting flap's triangular shape, the support body 16 once again features a lengthwise strap 60 equipped with a male half 63 of a snap clip fastener at an end of the strap 60 opposite its stitched or otherwise substantially permanent connection to the supporting flap.
- the fastening end 63 of the lengthwise strap 60 is pulled over the backpack and engaged with the corresponding female fastener component 64 centrally located proximate the opposite end of the support panel 18 .
- the length of the strap 60 is adjusted in a known manner at its connection to the male fastener component 63 to tension the strap 60 snugly over the front of the backpack.
- This connection and fitting of the lengthwise strap 60 folds, pivots or pulls the support flap 332 up against the bottom of the backpack positioned at the respective end of the base panel 18 and holds the support flap in this position.
- the support flap is thus held in a position extending outward from the support surface 20 of the support panel 18 at a position immediately beneath the backpack for support thereof from below.
- the second embodiment support body 16 ′ features no bottom openings in the panel opposite the top opening 61 a, as the lack of a pocket closing fully around the bottom end of the backpack due to the use of the support flap 332 instead means that the backpack straps can pass from the support surface side of the support panel 18 to the opposite side for connection to the backpack proximate the bottom thereof simply by each extending around the respective side edge of the support panel 18 proximate the support flap end thereof.
- the second embodiment support body 16 ′ also differs in that the flaps 50 ′ fixed to the face of the support panel 18 opposite the support surface 20 are each of uniform width over their common length, these uniform widths being sufficient so that the flaps overlap each other over their full lengths when folded over one another and secured in place, for example by tying of straps 80 to one another or two other features of the support body, to retain the pivoting support struts 12 and pivoting end support of the second embodiment in their stowed positions against the frame 10 .
- This differs from the first embodiment where the flaps 50 instead each jut or flare out to an extended width at a central position along its length so that the two flaps only overlap with one another over the pivotal support struts 12 at these centrally positioned projections.
Abstract
A bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle features a base and a plurality of supports connectable between the base and the bicycle frame. The base is adapted to receive a conventional backpack in a face-to-face configuration with a back panel thereof. The Detachable connection of the base and bicycle facilitates selective carrying of the backpack and base together on either a user's back or on the bicycle. Folding struts on the base are connectable to the bicycle frame on opposite sides of the tire thereof and are pivotal into a storage position in which the folding struts extend along the base. An end support on the base is connectable to the frame of the bicycle at a distance beyond a respective end of the base. A securing mechanism is operable to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position.
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/947,096, filed Jun. 29, 2007.
- The present invention relates to a bicycle luggage carrier for mounting over the tire of a bicycle and more particularly to a bicycle luggage carrier of this type that is detachable from a bicycle and adapted for carrying a backpack on the bicycle or on the back of a user.
- Luggage carriers arranged for mounting on a bicycle to support a rack or base in a horizontal orientation above the tire of a bicycle are well known. A number of devices have been developed with the intention of providing a backpack that is adapted for both carrying on the back of a wearer in a conventional fashion and carrying on a bicycle-mounted luggage carrier.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,802 of Woolf teaches a rectangular backpack frame that can have two vertically spaced pack bags hung therefrom one over the other with the frame in an extended condition. The frame is collapsible to a more compact position, in which it can be mounted over the rear wheel of a bicycle and have the pack bags hung from it on opposite sides of the wheel in a pannier arrangement.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,278 of Fresco teaches an articulated backpack apparatus having two storage elements movable into satchel, backpack and pannier configurations. In the pannier configuration, the apparatus may be mounted to a conventional luggage carrier previously installed on the bicycle or may be mounted to the bicycle by means of a specialized mounting bracket.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,733 of Brule teaches a pack that is convertible from a backpack for hiking to a pannier that can be secured to an existing pannier rack, or luggage carrier, of a bicycle.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,875 of Johnston teaches a knapsack specially adapted for securing to a conventional luggage carrier and for preventing the contents of the knapsack from sagging over the edges of the luggage carrier when so secured.
- Each of these prior art systems for supporting a backpack on a bicycle involves the use of a specialized backpack. Furthermore, none of these references teach a carrier having a rack or frame that can be removed from the bicycle for carrying with the backpack without requiring a re-configuration between the pack and the frame.
- According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle, the bicycle luggage carrier comprising:
- a base defining a generally planar support surface; and
- a plurality of supports connectable between the base and a frame of the bicycle to support the generally planar support surface above the tire;
- the base being adapted to receive a conventional backpack having a pair of straps connected to a back panel to form loops through which a wearer's arms can be past to carry the backpack on shoulders of the wearer with the back panel extending downward along a back of the wearer, the base receiving the backpack with the support surface of the base and the back panel of the backpack in a face-to-face configuration;
- the base and the supports being adapted for detachable connection of the base to the bicycle to facilitate carrying of the backpack on a user's back while secured to the base in the face-to-face configuration and carrying of the backpack on the bicycle while secured to the base in the face-to-face configuration.
- Adapted to carry a conventional backpack, the luggage carrier avoids the need for a user to purchase a specialized backpack as part of the carrier when the user may already have a perfectly good conventional backpack in his/her possession. With the base fitting face-to-face with the back panel of the backpack, the single action of detaching the base from the bicycle with a backpack secured on it performs the dual function of both removing the backpack in state ready for wearing by the user and removing the base from its place over the wheel of the bicycle. In the prior art carriers, the removal of a backpack from a carrying position on a bicycle in preparation for wearing on the back of a user and the removal of a base of the carrier from the bicycle to revert the bicycle closer to its original state with no carrier installed requires multiple steps.
- Preferably the plurality of supports comprise folding struts with pivotal connections, the folding struts being pivotable into a storage position with the base detached from the bicycle.
- Preferably the folding struts are pivotally connected to the base and are detachably connectable to the frame of the bicycle, the folding struts extending along the base on a side thereof opposite the support surface in the storage position. The folding of the struts toward the base into the storage position extending therealong helps the luggage carrier collapse into a compact and flattened storage state when not installed on a bicycle so that it can be worn comfortably in a backpack-like fashion extending along the back of a wearer.
- Preferably pivotal connections between the folding struts and the base are slidable therealong.
- Preferably there is provided at least one flap secured to the base and foldable over the folding struts when in the storage position.
- Preferably there is provided a releasable fastener connected to the base to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position.
- Preferably the base is adapted to allow the straps of the backpack to extend to a side of the base opposite the support surface with the backpack received thereon to facilitate carrying of the base and the backpack by the straps thereof.
- Preferably the base has openings therein through which the straps of the backpack are passable to extend through the openings with the backpack received on the support surface.
- Preferably the plurality of supports comprise an end support movably connected to the base to move between retracted and deployed positions, the end support extending further past a respective end of the base in the deployed position than in the retracted position.
- Preferably the end support does not extend past the respective end of the base in the retracted position.
- Preferably the base comprises a frame and a support body, the supports being connected to the frame and the support body defining the support surface, the frame being detachably connected to the support body.
- There may be provided a pocket formed on the support surface to receive an end of the backpack.
- Preferably there is provided a fastening arrangement fixed to the base to engage with the backpack for securing thereof to the base.
- Preferably the fastening arrangement comprises one or more straps each fixed to the base at one end and detachably connectable to the base at an opposite end to extend over the backpack to effect securing thereof against the support surface.
- Preferably the one or more straps comprise a pair of straps arranged to extend across one another when each is connected to the base at the opposite end.
- The one or more straps may comprise a support strap connected to the base by a supporting flap pivotally connected to the base to be foldable against a bottom of the backpack by connecting of the support strap to the base at the opposite end of the support strap.
- According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle, the bicycle luggage carrier comprising:
- a support base;
- a pair of folding struts pivotally connected the base to allow movement from a storage position in which the folding struts extend along the base to a use position in which the folding struts extend away from the base, the folding struts being adapted at an end opposite connection to the base for releasable connection to a frame of the bicycle on opposite sides of the tire thereof;
- an end support connected to the base and arranged for releasable connection to the frame of the bicycle at a distance beyond a respective end of the support base; and
- a securing mechanism associated with the base and the folding struts to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position extending along the base.
- The folding of the struts toward the base into the storage position extending therealong helps the luggage carrier collapse into a compact, flattened storage state when not installed on a bicycle.
- Preferably the securing mechanism comprises fasteners supported on the base and engageable with the folding struts in the storage position.
- Preferably the securing mechanism comprises at least one strap secured to the base at one end and connectable thereto at an opposite end to secure the folding struts against the base.
- Preferably the securing mechanism comprises at least one flap secured to the base at one end, foldable over the folding struts, and connectable to the base at an opposite end to secure the folding struts against the base.
- Preferably the end support is movably connected to the base to move between retracted and deployed positions, the end support extending further past a respective end of the base in the deployed position than in the retracted position.
- In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body, a frame, an end support and strut supports of a first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier with the supports in deployed positions for mounting to a bicycle. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body, frame, end support and strut supports of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier with the supports in stowed positions for carrying on the back of a wearer. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 2 , but from an opposite side of the frame of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of two wheel mounts of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier for pivotally connecting one of the strut supports to the wheel axle of a bicycle. -
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating connection of one of the strut supports of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier to the wheel axle by the respective wheel mount. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seat mount of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier for pivotally connecting the end support to the seat post of a bicycle. -
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the seat mount of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier mounted to the seat post. -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the seat mount of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the frame, strut supports and end support with the body of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier removed. -
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the frame, supports and mounts of the first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier installed on a bicycle equipped with rear suspension. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the frame, strut supports, end support, seat mount and wheel mounts of a second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the seat mount of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a T-shaped member defining a bottom block of the seat mount of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a top block of the seat mount of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 15 shows a supporting body of the second embodiment bicycle luggage carrier. -
FIG. 1 shows part of a first embodiment bicycle luggage carrier adapted to carry a conventional backpack, that is a backpack having a pair of straps connected to a back panel thereof to form loops through which a wearer's arms can be passed to carry the backpack on shoulders of the wearer with the back panel extending downward along the wearer's back. The first embodiment luggage carrier features aframe 10 to be carried over the rear wheel of a bicycle in a generally horizontal orientation extending along a longitudinal axis of the bicycle, a pair of strut supports 12 coupled to frame on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis thereof and adapted to couple to the bicycle at the ends of the strut supports opposite the frame on opposite sides of the bicycle's rear tire and anend support 14 adapted to couple to the seat post of the bicycle. On a side opposite the strut supports 12, the nearlyplanar frame 10 carries asupport body 16, including aflat support panel 18 lying flush against the nearlyplanar frame 10. Aface 20 of thesupport panel 18 opposite that resting flush against theframe 10 defines a support surface against which a conventional backpack can be secured in a face-to-face arrangement between thesupport surface 20 and the back panel of the backpack.FIG. 1 shows a base defined by theframe 10 and thesupport panel 18 in a generally horizontal orientation with the strut supports 12 andend support 14 deployed, as the carrier would be used for carrying a backpack over the rear tire of a bicycle.FIG. 2 shows the base in a generally vertical orientation with the strut supports 12 andend support 14 stowed in a more compact configuration with theframe 10 to allow carrying of the carrier and a backpack secured thereto on the back of a user in a conventional backpack fashion. - As illustrated by comparison of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the strut supports 12 are each carried on theframe 10 by arespective carriage 22 that is slidably coupled to the frame for sliding movement therealong. Eachstrut support 12 is connected to therespective carriage 22 at apivot 24 to facilitate pivotal movement of the strut support between a storage position, as shown inFIG. 2 , and a use position, as shown inFIG. 1 . In the storage position, the strut supports 12 are stowed generally parallel to theframe 10 with their ends opposite thecarriages 22 sitting nearly against a side of theframe 10 opposite thesupport panel 18. From the storage position, the strut supports 12 are deployed toward the use position by pivoting their distal ends opposite thecarriages 22 away from theframe 10 so that the strut supports 12 project away therefrom in a direction opposite thesupport body 18. As shown inFIG. 9 , eachcarriage 22 features acarriage body 28 having acylindrical bore 29 therethrough. Arespective side rod 30 of theframe 10 passes through the cylindrical bore to enable sliding of the carriage along the frame. A slot or groove 32 extending along and into an end face of the body opposite the end proximate thecylindrical bore 29 receives an end of therespective strut support 12, which is pinned to the body to define thepivot 24. The slot orgroove 32 extends a sufficient depth from the end face of the body relative to the distance from the end face at which thepivot pin 24 is disposed so that thesupport strut 12 can be folded toward theframe 10 to lie substantially parallel thereto in the storage position. Sliding of thecarriage 22 and therespective strut support 12 to an end of therespective side rod 30 of theframe 10 allows maximum compactness of the frame and strut supports in the storage position by ensuring minimum or no extension of the strut supports past the opposite end of theframe 10 when the strut supports are folded over the frame into the generally parallel configuration therewith. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , the twoparallel side rods 30 of theframe 10 are connected at their ends byparallel cross members 34 extending perpendicularly between the twoside rods 30. Between the twoside rods 30 defining the sides of the frame is a pair ofparallel tubes 36 spaced apart from one another and spaced from each of the twoside rods 30 in an orientation generally parallel thereto. At one end, the twotubes 36 are fixed to but do not extend past therespective cross member 34. At anopposite end 38, the twotubes 36 extend slightly passed therespective cross member 34, thisopposite end 38 of eachtube 36 being open to receive ends of theU-shaped end support 14, having twoparallel leg portions 40 connected by acentral portion 42 at one end. The leg portions are of suitable cross-sectional size to be received within the hollowparallel tubes 36, for sliding motion of theend support 14 along theframe 10. As shown by comparison ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , theend support 14 is deployable to a use position projecting past arespective end 44 of thesupport body 18 to dispose theend portion 42 of the end support in a space that is unobstructed by the support body for connection to a seat post of a bicycle. From this position, theend support 14 is retractable further back into thetubes 36 of theframe 10 to the storage position ofFIG. 2 , where theend support 14 does not project past therespective end 44 of thesupport body 18. Extending further from the respective end of theframe 10 in the use position than in the storage position, the slidingend support 14 improves the compactness of the first embodiment luggage carrier in the storage position by reducing its overall length. - The
support panel 18 of thesupport body 16 is of greater length and width than theframe 10 and is sufficiently rigid to support a conventional backpack of greater width than theframe 10 thereatop when the luggage carrier is mounted to a bicycle to position the support body horizontally over the rear tire, without the backpack sagging over the sides of theframe 10. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , aframe pocket 46 is fixed to thesupport panel 18 at anend 47 thereof opposite theend 44 past which theend support 14 projects in the use position. Therectangular frame pocket 46 fixed to the side of thesupport body 18 opposite thesupport surface 20 is open along aside 46a thereof facing the other end of thesupport body 16 so as to receive the end of theframe 10 opposite theend support 14. Asecond frame pocket 48 is fixed to the same side of thesupport panel 18 at a distance therealong from thefirst frame pocket 46 and opens theretoward atside 48 a to received the opposite end of theframe 10, that is the end at which theend support 14 is disposed. The rectangularsecond frame pocket 48 is also partially opened along another side 48 b thereof opposite thefirst frame pocket 46 to allow theend support 14 to pass through thesecond frame pocket 48. The opening along this side 48 b is too small to allow passage of the frame end therethrough. The frame ends fit snugly within the frame pockets 46, 48 so that they act as bands or straps to secure thesupport body 16 on theframe 10. The depth of thesecond frame pocket 48, that is the perpendicular distance between itsopen side 48 a and its partially open side 48 b, is such that theframe 10 can be removed from thesupport body 16 by pulling theframe 10 out of thefirst frame pocket 46 further into thesecond frame pocket 48, pulling the so freed end from away from thesupport body 16 and then withdrawing theframe 10 from thesecond frame pocket 48. - On opposite sides of the frame receiving space defined between the two frame pockets 46, 48 are
flaps 50, each fixed to the face of thesupport panel 18 opposite thesupport surface 20 along one end of the flap. Theflaps 50 can be folded over theframe 10 disposed therebetween with the strut supports 12 in the storage position parallel and nearly flush to theframe 10 and secured in this folded configuration to cover the tubes and rods of the frame and the strut supports secured thereto. Theflaps 50 act to help maintain the strut supports 12 in the storage position when the combination of the frame, the supports and the supporting body is worn on the back of a user to carry a backpack. The flaps also offer improved comfort during such wearing by providing padding between the wearer's back and the hard frame and support components. - A
storage pocket 52 is defined on the support surface side of thesupport panel 18 at thesame end 47 of thesupport body 16 as thefirst frame pocket 46. Thestorage pocket 52 is closed at theend 47 of the support body and opens at anopposite side 52 a toward the end of thesupport body 44 past which theend support 14 is extendable. Thus a backpack having its rear panel placed in a face-to-face arrangement with thesupport surface 20 of thesupport panel 18 and slid therealong from theend 44 thereof opposite the storage pocket will have its bottom end (the lowermost end of the backpack when adorned on a wearer's back in a conventional fashion by hanging from the shoulders) slid into thestorage pocket 52. Thestorage pocket 52 prevents sliding of the backpack off theend 47 of thesupport body 18 at which it is disposed, both when the combination is worn in a generally vertical orientation on a user's back and when the combination is carried over the rear wheel of a bicycle in a generally horizontal orientation. Securing of the backpack to thesupport body 16 is completed by fastening straps provided on the support surface side of thesupport panel 18. Across-wise strap 54 is fixed at one end to a loop formed at one side of thesupport panel 18 by aband 56 fixed at both ends thereto. Asecond band 58 is likewise provided at the opposite side of the support panel. Thesecond band 58 and thecross-wise strap 54 are provided with opposite mating halves of a snap clip fastener. Being a well-known type known to those of skill in the art, the fastener has itsmale half 59, pictured on thecross-wise strap 54, adapted for tensioning of the strap over a backpack received in thestorage pocket 52 between thebands lengthwise strap 60 is fixed at one end thereof to thestorage pocket 52 to be extendable from a central point at theopen side 52 a thereof toward theopposite end 44 of thesupport body 16. A tensioningmale half 63 and afemale half 64 of another snap clip fastener are provided on thelengthwise strap 60 and on the support surface side of thesupport panel 18 respectively. Thestorage pocket 52 and the two crossing straps firmly secure the backpack to thesupport panel 18. - Reinforced openings are provided extending through the
support panel 18, two separate but closely adjacent openings 61 a near theend 44 of thesupport body 16 opposite thestorage pocket 52 and two further spaced openings 61 b near theopposite end 47. The second pair of openings 61 b extend through thesupport panel 18 to communicate with the interior of thestorage pocket 52 on opposite sides of thefirst frame pocket 46. The openings allow that straps of a conventional packback, which are typically fixed to the back panel of the backpack at the top end thereof (nearest the shoulders of a wearer when worn) and releasably connected at their opposite ends nearer the bottom of the backpack, can be passed through the first openings 61 a from the support surface side of thesupport panel 18 on which the backpack is disposed and extended down to the second openings 61 b to pass back through the panel for connection to the backpack near its bottom end receivable in thestorage pocket 52. This way, when thesupport body 16,frame 10 and supports 12, 14 are removed from a bicycle with a backpack already secured to them, the existing straps of the backpack can be used to carry the entire combination without the need to equip the support body with its own set of redundant straps. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show awheel mount 62 used on each side of a bicycle tire to secure a respective one of the two strut supports 12 to the bicycle. The wheel mount 62 features a mountingbody 64 having acylindrical bore 65 projecting thereinto, but not fully therethrough, from atop end face 66 of the mountingbody 64. Fixed to one side of the mountingbody 64 is a tie-down anchor 68 having aneye 70 defined therethrough. Proximate, but spaced from, abottom end 72 of thewheel mount 62, acylindrical bore 74 extends cross-wise therethrough, sized to receive an end of the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle, shown schematically at 76 inFIG. 5 . Thewheel mount 62 is placed over the end of the axle outside the two rear forks of the bicycle, followed by anend cap 78 that prevents the wheel mount 62 from sliding off the axle. The blind cylindrical bore 65 is sized to receive an end of therespective strut support 12 opposite the connection thereof to theframe 10, as shown inFIG. 5 , to help support theframe 10 above the rear tire of the bicycle. As the distal end of thestrut support 12 only sits, and is not locked or secured, in the blind cylindrical bore 65 of the mountingbody 64, a tie-downstrap 80 is fixed to each of theflaps 50 on thesupport panel 18. These two tie-down straps have branched ends 82 and are each of are sufficient length to extend downward from therespective flap 50 hanging downward from thesupport panel 18 when installed on the bicycle to theeye 70 of the tie-down anchor 68 of the respective wheel mount 62 for tying of the two branches formed at the end of tie-down strap through theeye 70. Tied sufficiently tight and taught, the straps prevent the strut supports 12 from withdrawing upwardly from the wheel mounts 62 during riding of the bicycle with the first embodiment luggage carrier installed. -
FIGS. 6 to 8 show aseat mount 84 for connecting theend support 14 to the seat post of a bicycle when in the extended or use position. Theseat mount 84 features a C-clamp 86 sized to fasten around the seat post in a well known conventional manner. Acoupling device 88 is fixed to the C-clamp 86 and features two block-like halves 90 pivotally connected by a pair ofhinges 91 disposed on opposite sides of the C-clamp 86 at the same end of the device. The C-clamp is fastened to one of the twohalves 90, the other half being pivotal relative to the fastened half to open and close in hinged fashion into and out of face-to-face engagement. The faces of the two block-like halves 90 are mirror images of one another, each having a groove therein that is U-shaped in plan as shown inFIG. 8 , corresponding to the U-shape of theend support 14 received in thetubes 36 of theframe 10. With the mirrored halves mated together as shown inFIGS. 6 to 8 , the aligned grooves form achannel 95 that is U-shaped in plan, having twoend portions 92 extending perpendicularly into anend 94 of thecoupling device 88 opposite the C-clamp 86 and acentral portion 96 perpendicularly connecting the two end portions at a distance from the C-clamp equippedend 98. When the two block-like halves are pivotally opened to separate their grooved matable faces, theend support 14 is inserted between these faces into the groove in one of the halves. The halves are closed together over the end of theend support 14 with thecentral portion 42 of theend support 14 disposed within thecentral portion 96 of thechannel 95 and the ends of the end support'sleg portions 40 disposed in theparallel end portions 92 of the channel. A hook andloop fastening strap 100 is then tightened around the closed coupling device to prevent inadvertent opening and release of the support end secured therein. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thecentral portion 96 of thechannel 95 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section corresponding to the round cylindricalcentral portion 42 of theend support 14. However, theend portions 92 of thechannel 95 do not have a cylindrical cross section, but instead each taper in height inward from a maximum height at theend 94 of the coupling device to the point of intersection with thecentral portion 95. This shaping of thechannel 95 is accomplished by appropriately shaping the grooves in the mating faces of the two block-like halves, that is by shaping the central portion of each groove to have a semi-circular cross section and by increasing the depth of each end portion of each groove from the mating face of the respective half away from the central portion to theend 94 of thecoupling device 88 opposite the C-clamp 86. The wide opening 102 formed at theend 94 of the coupling device allows theend support 14 and theframe 10 connected thereto to pivot about a common central longitudinal axis shared by thecentral portion 96 of thechannel 95 defined by thecoupling device 88 when closed and thecentral portion 42 of theend support 14 disposed therein to couple theend support 14 andframe 10 to a seat post of a bicycle. -
FIG. 10 illustrates installation of the first embodiment luggage carrier on a bicycle, schematically illustrated at 200, with thesupport body 16 removed from the frame. Theseat mount 84 clamps to the seat post 202 of the bicycle and eachwheel mount 62 is pivotally secured on the axle of therear wheel 204 of the bicycle outside therear fork 206 of a respective side of thewheel 204. The illustrated bicycle features a rear suspension system in which therear frame assembly 205, including therear fork 206, is pivotally mounted to the front frame assembly 208 near the bottom of the seat tube 210 and also connected further up the seat tube by alink 212 pivotally mounted thereto and connected to the front frame assembly via a spring and damper assembly 214. With theseat mount 84 and theend support 14 providing a pivotal connection of theframe 10 to the seat post 216, thecarriage 22 providing thepivotal connection 24 between theframe 10 and the strut supports 12 and the wheel mounts 62 providing pivotal connection of the support struts 12 to the bicycle'srear frame assembly 206, a four bar linkage is defined by the seat tube and seat post forming a fixed first ground link, therear frame assembly 206 connected to the seat tube atpivot 218 near the bottom end thereof forming a moving second link, the strut supports 12 forming a moving third link, and theframe 10 andend support 14 forming a moving fourth link connecting back to the fixed ground link. The pivotal connections between the links allow limited relative motion between them as generally indicated by double-ended arrows inFIG. 10 . The luggage carrier is thus adapted to move with the movingrear frame assembly 206 of a bicycle equipped with rear suspension. - It should be appreciated that the luggage carrier of the present invention is not limited to use on a bicycle equipped with rear suspension as described above, and for example may be used on a hardtail bicycle in which the rear fork or seat stay is fastened to the seat tube in a fixed position relative thereto. The hook and loop fastener strap may be replaced with other fasteners known to those of skill in the art to secure the two halves of the seat mount coupling device together in a closed use position. The structure of the coupling device may be altered to eliminate the end portions of the channel, extend the cylindrical central section through to both external sides of the coupling device and reduce the length of the device (measured cross-wise to the bicycle's longitudinal axis when installed) so that it closes only over the central portion of the end support. In such an arrangement, the halves of the coupling device would not close over the leg portions of the end support, leaving them free on opposite sides of the device to move under pivoting of the central portion of the end support about its central axis without the need for widened end channel portions.
- Components of a second embodiment luggage carrier featuring examples of such alternate arrangements are shown in
FIGS. 11 to 15 . - With reference to
FIG. 11 , theframe 10′ of the second embodiment is similar in structure to that of the first, with the most notable difference being in the mounting and operation of theend support 14 relative to theframe 10′. The structure of the twoparallel side rods 30 andcross members 34 is the same as in the first embodiment frame, but the twotubes 36′ mounted between theside rods 30 do not extend past eithercross member 24. Instead, the twotubes 36′ lie entirely parallel to the side rods 30 (not having to slope over or under one of thecross members 34 to pass thereover or thereunder as in the first embodiment) and have their ends fixed to thecross members 34. In the second embodiment, theU-shaped end support 14 is not slidably received in the twotubes 36, but instead is has its twoparallel leg portions 40 pivotally connected to the tworespective tubes 36 to allow pivoting of theend support 14 toward and away from the plane of theframe 10 in a manner similar to the strut supports 12. Pivot mounts 300 carrying theend support 14 for pivoting on the same side of the frame as the strut supports 12 are located proximate the same end of the frame from which the end support slides in the first embodiment. Thus theend support 14 may be pivoted to extend toward the opposite end of theframe 10′ in a retracted position generally flush against the bottom thereof, and may be pivoted out of this position by more than ninety degrees to extend to a use position similar to that of the first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 11 . Theend support 14 is thus movable between a storage position where theend support 14 does not project outward from theframe 10′ and a use position extending past the respective end of theframe 10′. As in the first embodiment, this improves the compactness of the first embodiment luggage carrier in the storage position by reducing its overall length. As shown in the figures, the pivot mounts may be defined by lugs projecting downward from thetubes 36′ and threaded fasteners passing through and secured to the lugs and the legs of the end support to define the pivot axis thereof. -
FIG. 12 shows theseat mount 84′ for connecting theend support 14 of the second embodiment to the seat post of a bicycle when in the extended or use position. Theseat mount 84 again features aseat post clamp 86′ and features two pivotally connected block-like halves 302, 304. The bottom block 302 is defined by one leg of a T-shapedmember 308, the other leg of this member having theseat post clamp 86′ supported at its end opposite the bottom-block-defining leg 302. Thetop block 304 lies over the bottom block 302 face to face therewith when theseat mount 84′ is closed and also extends past the bottom block 302 along theclamp supporting leg 306 of the T-shapedmember 308 in this closed condition. Here, at a distance past the perimeter of the bottom block 302, thetop block 304 features a pair oflugs 310 projecting perpendicularly downward from the bottom face of thetop block 304 on opposite sides of the clamp-supportingleg 306. Apivot pin 312 passes through thelugs 310 and a hole 311 extending perpendicularly through theclamp supporting leg 306 and parallel to thebottom block 304, thereby pivotally supporting thetop block 304 on the T-shapedmember 308 defining the bottom block 302. Between thelugs 310, thetop block 304 is notched along its edge facing theclamp 86 by a sufficient distance to allow pivoting of thetop block 304 through ninety degrees from the closed position ofFIG. 12 by accommodating a top portion of the clamp-supportingleg 306 of the T-shapedmember 308. This notch is labelled 313 inFIGS. 12 and 14 . - Unlike the first embodiment, the faces of the two block-
like halves 302, 304 are not mirror images of one another. Instead, the bottom block 302 has alinear groove 314 recessed thereinto from the top face thereof, extending fully across the bottom block 302 in a direction parallel to thepivot pin 312 and perpendicular to the clamp-supportingleg 306 and having a rounded bottom of generally semi-circular shape in a cross sectional plane of thegroove 314. No corresponding groove is provided in thetop block 304. Thecentral portion 42 of theend support 14 pivotally carried on theframe 10′ is laid into thisgroove 314 when theseat mount 84′ is opened to expose the flat matable faces of theblocks 302, 304, thecentral portion 42 of theend support 14 having a diameter slightly smaller than the rounded bottom of thegroove 314. Thecentral portion 42 is thus rotatable about its longitudinal axis when laid in thegroove 314 and is also longer than thegroove 314 so as to support theleg portions 40 of theend support 14 outside theblocks 302, 304 of theseat mount 84′ on opposite sides thereof for pivoting together about the axis of thecentral portion 42 housed within the blocks when the blocks are closed together with the bottom face of thetop block 304 closing off thegroove 314 in the bottom block from above. - The seat mount 84′ is equipped with a
quick release mechanism 316 used to selectively lock theblocks 302, 304 in the closed position. The quick release mechanism is similar to a type commonly used to tighten a C-shaped seat post clamp, like that of the seat mount, around the seat tube of a bicycle frame at a slotted upper end thereof to tighten the seat tube around the seat post received therein to clamp the seat post in place to set a desired height of the seat above the upper end of the seat tube. The mechanism features a cylindrical cap orhousing 318 slidably fitted over a cam follower defined by a head affixed to a respective end of a control rod. Acam lever 320 passes through thehousing 318 and the head of the control rod in a direction perpendicular to the control rod's longitudinal axis, defining an eccentric cam within a transverse bore passing through the head of the control rod. Ahandle 322 of thecam lever 320 projects laterally from the cam-defining portion of the lever at a position outside thehousing 318 slidably encompassing the head of the control rod. The handle is operable to rotate the eccentric cam to effect relative sliding displacement between the control rod and thehousing 322 along the control rod's axis. - An end of the control rod opposite the head thereof and the
housing cap 318 slidably disposed thereover is fixed to ashaft 323 extending perpendicular to the control rod, for example by way of a threaded end of the control rod being engaged with a threaded hole extending into theshaft 323 perpendicular to the axis thereof. The shaft is rotatably housed in abore 324 passing through the bottom block 302 of theseat mount 84′ parallel to thegroove 314 on a side thereof opposite thepivot pin 312 pivotally connecting the twoblocks 302, 304. The top andbottom blocks 302, 304 featurerespective slots slots leg 306 of the T-shapedmember 308 by equal amounts, perpendicularly intersecting thebore 324 and reaching, but not crossing, thegroove 314. Eachslot respective block 302, 304 such that the aligned slots extend fully through the two blocks when the blocks are closed together. With reference toFIG. 12 , the control rod of the quick release mechanism projects from theshaft 323 on which it is fixed through the alignedslots housing cap 318 outside theblocks 302, 304. With the shaft rotated to position thehousing cap 318 over thetop block 304 on a side thereof opposite the bottom block 302, the cam lever is operable into a closed position to push thehousing 318 along the control rod against this top side of thetop block 304 on opposite sides of theslot 302 a therein to clamp theblocks 302, 304 together in the closed position, face-to-face against one another. Operation of the cam lever from this condition into an opposite open position slidingly removes thehousing 318 from against the top block 302 to release this clamping effect. To facilitate opening of theblocks 302, 304, thehandle 322 of thecam lever 320 is pulled to rotate the shaft within thebore 324 so as to pivot the control rod away from the supportingleg 306 toward thebottom block 304, moving thehousing cap 318 in an arcuate path about the shaft outside theblocks 302, 304 at the ends thereof opposite the clamp-supportingleg 306 to remove thecap 318 from its position over the top block 302 so that it no longer blocks pivoting of thetop block 304 into the open position. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , the wheel mounts 62′ of the second embodiment are of generally the same structure as those of the first embodiment, with the most notable exception that they do not include tie-down anchors. It will be appreciated that the wheel mounts 62′ need not necessarily be mounted at the wheel axle of the bicycle and, for example, may be instead pivotally mounted elsewhere on therear frame assembly 205 of the rear suspension bicycle ofFIG. 10 . The strut supports 12 may alternatively connect, for example, to the seat tube 210 in arrangements where the carrier is not movable with a suspension-equipped rear wheel, in which case the carrier frame, end support, seat mount and strut supports would cooperate with the seat post and seat tube of the bicycle to define a generally triangular rigid support structure when installed. In such an arrangement, pivotal or non-pivotal connections between the luggage carrier and the bicycle could be used. - Referring again to
FIG. 11 , across bar member 330 rigidly and perpendicularly connects the pivoting strut supports 12 of the second embodiment to link these supports a parallel arrangement with one another for movement together, thecross bar member 330 being positioned proximate the connection of the strut supports 12 to theframe 10′ so as to be positioned above and spaced from the bicycle wheel when the luggage carrier is installed and used thereon. - With reference to
FIG. 15 , asupport body 16′ of the second embodiment luggage carrier does not feature a storage pocket like the first embodiment. Instead, a triangular supportingflap 332 is foldably or pivotally connected to thebase panel 18 at the same end thereof as the first embodiment pocket, spanning generally the full width of thebase panel 18 at its connection thereto and narrowing away from this connection. At an end of the supportingflap 332 opposite its flexible connection to thesupport panel 18, at the point defined centrally along the base panel's width dimension by the supporting flap's triangular shape, thesupport body 16 once again features alengthwise strap 60 equipped with amale half 63 of a snap clip fastener at an end of thestrap 60 opposite its stitched or otherwise substantially permanent connection to the supporting flap. In use, once a backpack is laid with its back against thesupport surface 20 of the supportingpanel 18, with thetriangular flap 332 of the supporting body laid out to project from the respective end of thesupport panel 18 as shown inFIG. 15 , thefastening end 63 of thelengthwise strap 60 is pulled over the backpack and engaged with the correspondingfemale fastener component 64 centrally located proximate the opposite end of thesupport panel 18. The length of thestrap 60 is adjusted in a known manner at its connection to themale fastener component 63 to tension thestrap 60 snugly over the front of the backpack. This connection and fitting of thelengthwise strap 60 folds, pivots or pulls thesupport flap 332 up against the bottom of the backpack positioned at the respective end of thebase panel 18 and holds the support flap in this position. When the backpack and the support body are worn on the back of a user, the support flap is thus held in a position extending outward from thesupport surface 20 of thesupport panel 18 at a position immediately beneath the backpack for support thereof from below. - Still referring to
FIG. 15 , the secondembodiment support body 16′ features no bottom openings in the panel opposite the top opening 61 a, as the lack of a pocket closing fully around the bottom end of the backpack due to the use of thesupport flap 332 instead means that the backpack straps can pass from the support surface side of thesupport panel 18 to the opposite side for connection to the backpack proximate the bottom thereof simply by each extending around the respective side edge of thesupport panel 18 proximate the support flap end thereof. The secondembodiment support body 16′ also differs in that theflaps 50′ fixed to the face of thesupport panel 18 opposite thesupport surface 20 are each of uniform width over their common length, these uniform widths being sufficient so that the flaps overlap each other over their full lengths when folded over one another and secured in place, for example by tying ofstraps 80 to one another or two other features of the support body, to retain the pivoting support struts 12 and pivoting end support of the second embodiment in their stowed positions against theframe 10. This differs from the first embodiment where theflaps 50 instead each jut or flare out to an extended width at a central position along its length so that the two flaps only overlap with one another over the pivotal support struts 12 at these centrally positioned projections. - Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (20)
1. A bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle, the bicycle luggage carrier comprising:
a base defining a generally planar support surface; and
a plurality of supports connectable between the base and a frame of the bicycle to support the generally planar support surface above the tire;
the base being adapted to receive a conventional backpack having a pair of straps connected to a back panel to form loops through which a wearer's arms can be past to carry the backpack on shoulders of the wearer with the back panel extending downward along a back of the wearer, the base receiving the backpack with the support surface of the base and the back panel of the backpack in a face-to-face configuration;
the base and the supports being adapted for detachable connection of the base to the bicycle to facilitate carrying of the backpack on a user's back while secured to the base in the face-to-face configuration and carrying of the backpack on the bicycle while secured to the base in the face-to-face configuration.
2. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of supports comprise folding struts with pivotal connections, the folding struts being pivotable into a storage position with the base detached from the bicycle.
3. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 2 wherein the folding struts are pivotally connected to the base and are detachably connectable to the frame of the bicycle, the folding struts extending along the base on a side thereof opposite the support surface in the storage position.
4. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 3 wherein pivotal connections between the folding struts and the base are slidable therealong.
5. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 3 further comprising at least one flap secured to the base and foldable over the folding struts when in the storage position.
6. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 3 further comprising a releasable fastener connected to the base to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position.
7. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 1 wherein the base is adapted to allow the straps of the backpack to extend to a side of the base opposite the support surface with the backpack received thereon to facilitate carrying of the base and the backpack by the straps thereof.
8. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of supports comprise an end support movably connected to the base to move between retracted and deployed positions, the end support extending further past a respective end of the base in the deployed position than in the retracted position.
9. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 8 wherein the end support does not extend past the respective end of the base in the retracted position.
10. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 1 wherein the base comprises a frame and a support body, the supports being connected to the frame and the support body defining the support surface, the frame being detachably connected to the support body.
11. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a fastening arrangement fixed to the base to engage with the backpack for securing thereof to the base.
12. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 11 wherein the fastening arrangement comprises one or more straps each fixed to the base at one end and detachably connectable to the base at an opposite end to extend over the backpack to effect securing thereof against the support surface.
13. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 12 wherein the one or more straps comprise a pair of straps arranged to extend across one another when each is connected to the base at the opposite end.
14. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 12 wherein the one or more straps comprise a support strap connected to the base by a supporting flap pivotally connected to the base to be foldable against a bottom of the backpack by connecting of the support strap to the base at the opposite end of the support strap.
15. A bicycle luggage carrier for detachable mounting over a tire of a bicycle, the bicycle lug folding gage carrier comprising:
a support base;
a pair of folding struts pivotally connected the base to allow movement from a storage position in which the folding struts extend along the base to a use position in which the folding struts extend away from the base, the folding struts being adapted at an end opposite connection to the base for releasable connection to a frame of the bicycle on opposite sides of the tire thereof;
an end support connected to the base and arranged for releasable connection to the frame of the bicycle at a distance beyond a respective end of the support base; and
a securing mechanism associated with the base and the folding struts to selectively secure the folding struts in the storage position extending along the base.
16. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 15 wherein the securing mechanism comprises fasteners supported on the base and engageable with the folding struts in the storage position.
17. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 15 wherein the securing mechanism comprises at least one strap secured to the base at one end and connectable thereto at an opposite end to secure the folding struts against the base.
18. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 15 wherein the securing mechanism comprises at least one flap secured to the base at one end, foldable over the folding struts, and connectable to the base at an opposite end to secure the folding struts against the base.
19. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 15 wherein the end support is movably connected to the base to move between retracted and deployed positions, the end support extending further past a respective end of the base in the deployed position than in the retracted position.
20. The bicycle luggage carrier according to claim 19 wherein the end support does not extend past the respective end of the base in the retracted position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/132,054 US20090001115A1 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2008-06-03 | Bicycle Luggage Carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US94709607P | 2007-06-29 | 2007-06-29 | |
US12/132,054 US20090001115A1 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2008-06-03 | Bicycle Luggage Carrier |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090001115A1 true US20090001115A1 (en) | 2009-01-01 |
Family
ID=40159155
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/132,054 Abandoned US20090001115A1 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2008-06-03 | Bicycle Luggage Carrier |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20090001115A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2633873A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2946286A1 (en) * | 2009-06-08 | 2010-12-10 | Decathlon Sa | VEHICLE HAVING AT LEAST TWO WHEELS WITH SUSPENDED FRAME, EQUIPPED WITH A CARGO ASSEMBLY. |
CN103121567A (en) * | 2013-01-06 | 2013-05-29 | 中国人民解放军总后勤部油料研究所 | Backpacking type oil transportation device |
US9187142B2 (en) | 2009-08-24 | 2015-11-17 | Arkel Inc. | Cantilever bike rack |
CN114248862A (en) * | 2020-09-21 | 2022-03-29 | 姚新鑫 | Lockable goods shelf for vehicle |
US11535331B2 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2022-12-27 | Dongguan Hong Lin Industrial Co., Ltd | Bicycle mounting mechanism and battery box assembly |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2633873A1 (en) | 2008-12-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |